GENERIC NAME: KETOTIFEN - ORAL TABLET (key-toe-TIFF-en)

USES: Ketotifen is used to minimize the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. This medication may allow for a reduction in the use of other asthma medications. Ketotifen is not effective in treating an active asthma attack (acute attack).

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth; generally twice daily. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Ketotifen must be taken regularly to be effective. Do not skip any doses. Do not stop using other asthma medications unless your doctor tells you to. To lessen the drowsiness effect of this drug, the dosage may be slowly increased during the first week. It may take several weeks before the full benefits of this drug are clearly noticed (usually within 10 weeks). After 2 to 3 months of using this drug, your doctor may slowly decrease the use of other asthma medicines. Follow your doctor's directions carefully.